22

22
Alpha Richard
The sound of high heels clicking on the marble floor told me Amelia was coming. She didn’t knock—she never did.
She walked into my office like she owned it, wearing a tight red dress that showed off her body.
“Hello, darling,” she said in a sweet voice that made me want to growl.
I didn’t look up from the territorial reports spread before me. “You knock before entering my office. Always.”
“Oh, Richard.” She laughed, a sound like tinkling glass that grated on my nerves. “Surely I don’t need permission to see my own mate.”
The word ‘mate’ from her lips made my jaw clench. I set down my pen and looked at her with cold eyes.
“You are not my mate, Amelia. You’re just a deal. Something useful. Just because I gave you the Luna title doesn’t mean you earned it.”
Her smile cracked for a second. Pain flashed in her eyes before she hid it. “Of course, Alpha. I just meant—”
“I know what you meant.” I leaned back and stared at her like she was nothing. “And that’s exactly why you’ll never be a real Luna. You can wear the crown, but you’ll never deserve it.”
“Alpha,” she whimpered, her eyes filling with tears.
“Being my Luna doesn’t grant you the same authority I hold over this pack. You’re simply the woman I chose—not my fated mate. You’re nothing. A placeholder. Burn that into your empty skull. I won’t keep repeating myself. Am I clear?”
Who did she think she was? Just a desperate woman clinging to a title she didn’t deserve. She wasn’t my Luna. She’d never be.
We both knew we weren’t destined mates. I chose her because she’s a skilled warrior—and she’s using me in return. But she’ll never be my queen. She’s a fake.
“Yes, Richard. I understand. I promise to be good,” she said meekly.
If there was one thing I appreciated about her, it was that she knew when to shut up. She listened, didn’t pry into my affairs, and never pushed too hard. She was the puppet I needed.
Despite being labeled a notorious beast by other wolves, I had remained loyal to my mate and refrained from sleeping with other females. But I was disappointed when I met my true mate.
She didn’t meet my standards. I decided to reject her, but she hadn’t accepted my rejection. During our encounter at a club, she had managed to arouse me with just a glance. The temptation to sleep with her still lingered in my mind.
She was beautiful. Too beautiful. Her green eyes were captivating, her presence unforgettable. She was everything I desired in a woman—except she had no wolf. She was a nobody. How could I accept someone so weak as my mate? It would be humiliating.
What kind of Alpha King is paired with a powerless, clumsy, wolf-less she-wolf? The mere thought infuriated me.
If my wolf hadn’t held me back, I would have killed her the moment I saw her. My life was already complicated—I didn’t need her adding to the mess.
“Alpha, what are you thinking about?” Amelia asked, still lingering.
“Nothing,” I replied sharply. “Pack matters. Why are you here, Amelia?”
“I just wanted to keep you company,” she murmured, leaning in to kiss me.
“Company? You barged into my office for no reason. I know what you’re trying to do, but I’m not giving you what you want.” I sighed. “I won’t sleep with you.”
“But Alpha, why do you keep rejecting me?” she snapped. “Am I not good enough? Have I done something wrong? Why do you hate me so much?”
“Enough!” I barked. “Which question should I answer first? Where do I even begin?”
“Alpha, I’ve been here for two weeks. We share a bed, but you never touch me!”
Tears ran down her face. “Everyone thinks we’re together, but we’re not. This hurts so much. I’ve begged you—”
“Shut your mouth, woman!”
“You act like you love me in front of everyone. You kiss me and hold me like I matter. Then you run to the bathroom and throw up like I’m poison. Behind closed doors, you treat me like trash. I’m still a woman, Richard. I have feelings. You can’t pretend to love me and then act like I disgust you! If you didn’t want me, why did you choose me?”
She was pushing too far. I’d had enough.
“Amelia,” I growled, my Alpha aura radiating through the room. “Did you just raise your voice at me? Are you tired of living? I chose you to be my Luna, and all you do is whine about not being touched. Is that all you care about? You’re becoming greedy. Don’t tempt me to do something I enjoy—because if I snap, you won’t live to regret it. Watch yourself.”
“I’m sorry, Alpha,” she whimpered, trembling like a wet leaf. “I lost control. Please forgive me.”
I didn’t respond. I was still furious. She had no right to question me.
“Get out of my office!” I roared. “Now!”
She fled without looking back. If I had known she would be this much trouble, I never would’ve chosen her. But tomorrow… I’d introduce her to the pack as my Luna.
‘Don’t you dare,’ my wolf, Parker, growled through the mind link. ‘She’s not our true mate.’
‘Not now, Parker!’ I snarled back. ‘I don’t need this. Not today.’
‘You need to listen to me, Richard. Don’t make that woman our Luna. Do not mark her. It’s a command, not a request. If you mark and mate her, our real mate will die—and you know it.’
‘How dare you command me? You’re just a wolf. So what if she dies? My problem will be solved. She’s weak and useless. Amelia is strong, worthy of the Luna title—even if she isn’t our mate. I’ll mark her, mate her, and no one will ever know the truth. You don’t get to tell me what to do.’
Parker didn’t respond. That was unlike him. He never gave up in an argument. But now… silence. Good. I needed control—not interference.

The Next Day: Luna Introduction
I woke up early and noticed the bed was empty. Amelia was gone. Where had she gone off to?
“My Alpha,” Raymond linked me. “Everything is set in the pack hall. Are you awake?”
“Set for what?” I asked, confused. “What’s going on?”
“Richard,” he chuckled, “today’s the day you planned to introduce and mark your new Luna. Don’t tell me you forgot?”
Damn it. That explained why Amelia wasn’t beside me—she was getting ready.
“I need to shower,” I muttered. No matter how much they mocked me, I would not back down. Amelia would be Luna. Jane didn’t deserve the title.
“Hurry up,” Ray replied. “The Alphas you invited will arrive soon.”
“I’ll be fast,” I told him.
After a quick shower, I dressed in my ceremonial attire. Today was the day I finally rid myself of that wretched mate. I smirked. I couldn’t wait to hear the news of her death.
Goodbye, my ex-mate. See you in hell.
I felt content with myself before heading to the ceremony. The hall was beautifully adorned with golden banners, glowing torches, and lush decorations. The air buzzed with excitement as the pack gathered to meet their new Luna.
The hall was packed. Amelia sat beside me, beaming with satisfaction. She believed this was her moment of triumph.
“Thank you all for joining me today,” I announced. “It is my honor to introduce Amelia—my Luna.”
I took her hand and held it high.
“She is the one chosen by the Moon Goddess to stand by my side, to rule with me as my equal. She holds the same rights as I do.”
Cheers erupted. The crowd howled in celebration.
“Long live Alpha King Richard! Long live Queen Luna Amelia!” they chanted.
“It’s time,” I declared. “Time to mark what is mine.”
Amelia tilted her head, baring her neck. My fangs emerged, ready to sink into her skin—when chaos erupted.
Gasps rang through the hall. A crashing sound followed.
“What the hell is this?” I roared. “How dare you? How dare you do this to me?”